Piano Lessons in Torrington, CT

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

My preferred method of teaching for beginner students is my own adaptation of the Thompson method with strong emphasis on theory and technique. A study of intervalic relationships, chords and progressions combined with terminology, sight reading, ear training and form will provide the student with skills which will allow them to play any style and genre of music they desire. Although the Suzuki method seems to be popular today, I have discovered many short comings of this pedagogical approach and often renders a good pianist limited in their capabilities as a well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet

I tend to stress fundamentals when it comes to what my philosophy of teaching is. I argue that the more time is spent on fundamentals, the better technique the student will have later on. The challenge comes into play with the fact the fundamentals can get tedious and boring! It is my duty to share creativity and fun ways of practicing the basics so my students can grow while enjoying what they are doing! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My junior year culminated with a semester in New York City working in an administrative/artistic internship at the Metropolitan Opera. During school, and immediately upon graduating, I was fortunate enough to see my interest in music and theatre education realized in my work opportunities. For the past few summers, I worked at four community arts organizations, as both a teacher and an administrator. I currently work at Hartford Stage company as an education apprentice, where I serve as a teaching artist in a variety of capacities, as well as assisting with general education department logistics. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

I have been a music teacher since 1972, teaching classroom music, as well as being a Choir and Band Director, in Vernon, Glastonbury and West Hartford. Especially popular were my guitar and music of the theater classes. I have also directed various musicals on the Middle School level, such as You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Fiddler on the Roof, Babes in Arms, Oliver and others. At times, I even accompanied the shows on piano as I directed! Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard

I am a devoted and energetic teacher for all age students who is focused on results and have successes bringing the ability of the student to play effectively from the first lessons. Fundamentals are covered in early lessons for the beginning student who can then move rapidly into playing their preferred style of music. Teaching is accomplished with friendly and caring delivery of new concepts and repetition of new ideas on the keyboard right from the start of lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For younger students, especially children, I will begin their first vocal lesson by standing next to them and showing them how to stand with correct posture. Then I will move on to breathing by having the child place their hand on their diaphragm. I will show them that it is the muscle right above their stomach. In the best way possible, I will explain to them that in order to breathe correctly, they must be able to feel their stomach move in and out instead of their chest. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music

I have extensively studied music theory, music history and keyboards (particularly organ) at the undergraduate (at Vassar College) and graduate level. I am particularly well-qualified to teach beginners and children. GRADUATE CLASSES TAKEN: -2 years of private organ lessons -Counterpoint, Harmony Form: 1500-1800 -The Liturgy, Ritual Chant of Medieval England (Sarum Use) -Church Music in Early Modern European Cities, 700-1700 -Perspectives on the Cantus Firmus Mass -Hymns their Music -Music Theology in the 16th Century -Music Morality -Theological Aesthetics -Sacred Music: Unity Diversity UNDERGRADUATE CLASSES TAKEN: -3 years of private organ, voice and piano lessons. (Sang for 3 years in the select chamber ensemble, mixed chorus, and Womens Chorus.) -Independent Study in Choral Conducting -Independent Study in Basso Continuo -International Phonetic Alphabet -Music Ideas I: The Power of Church Court -Music Ideas II: Enlightenment the Influence of Rationalism -Musicianship Skills I -Musicianship Skills II -Musicianship Skills III -Modal Counterpoint -Tonal Counterpoint -Harmony -Advanced Harmony -The Sound of Space: Intersecting Music, Architecture Physics -The Art of Orchestration -Composition I Read More